Big-play potential is there

ALBANY -- New York Giants' wide receivers won't be the same slow and predictable crew they have been in the past.

BRIEN BOUYEA

Published
12:00 am EDT, Wednesday, August 21, 2002

At least that's the plan.

While stalwarts Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard are firmly entrenched as the top two wideouts, Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi has added the element of speed to the unit in recent years.

Accorsi has brought in four young receivers through the draft over the past three seasons, all of whom have big-play potential.

Of course, the potential is just that at this point, but head coach Jim Fassel is intrigued by the matchup problems the group could present for opposing defenses.

In third-year veteran Ron Dixon, second-year pro Jonathan Carter and rookies Tim Carter and Daryl Jones, the Giants have four wideouts, none older than 26, who can flat-out run past defenders.

Of course, Dixon has been inconsistent in his tenure with the team, Jonathan Carter is unproven and both Tim Carter and Jones have battled injuries throughout training camp this summer at the University at Albany.

"The speed we've got with some of the younger guys is something we've lacked before," Fassel said. "I'm excited about the possibilities those guys bring, but they have to turn potential into results."

If the unproven offensive line gives quarterback Kerry Collins time to operate, the Giants' offense could be formidable.

To compliment the added speed of the young receivers, Toomer has shed about 15 pounds to help his speed, while Hilliard has bulked up a bit to be able to better physically compete with defensive backs.

"I really like our receivers and I think the group will make big strides this year," Collins said. "These guys are pushing each other to perform. It's as competitive a group as I've seen since I've been here."

In a snap: The Giants signed center/long snapper Morris Unutoa to a contract.

The 6-foot-2, 289-pounder out of BYU has played with the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and most recently with Buffalo last season.

Unutoa will see time mainly as long snapper, but could provide valuable insurance if center Dusty Zeigler continues to have problems with his surgically repaired knee.

Banged up: With just three days of training camp remaining, many Giants are battling injuries.